How to Prevent Spam & Fraud WhatsApp Calls & Messages from +62 Country Code

WhatsApp has been in the news for a while now and the reason is not surprising. A new scam has been discovered in which WhatsApp is being used by a lot of scammers as many people have complained on Twitter about receiving unknown calls and messages from international numbers starting at +62. In this scam, fraudsters either offer jobs or small tasks while gaining your bank details in the process. To understand what this code is and how you can protect yourself from this scam, read the guide below.

Which country code is +62?

The +62 country code belongs to Indonesia. It is being used by scammers to get money out of the users’ pockets. The scammers will try to offer full-time and part-time job offers and in return will ask for a joining fee. After receiving the amount, the scammers won’t message or call you ever again.

The scammers might also ask you to like YouTube videos and offer money for each like. To make themselves trustworthy, they may release a small amount into your bank account but may no longer do so the next time you complete the tasks.

The frequency of calls is pretty medium to high. Some have received 2 to 4 calls on alternate days. Some people who are especially buying a new SIM are getting more calls from international numbers.

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Protecting Yourself from Fraud & Spam WhatsApp Calls & Messages

1. Block and report the Phone Number

If you are continuously receiving WhatsApp calls and messages from +62 country code numbers, blocking and reporting them should be your first course of action. Just follow these steps-

• Open WhatsApp and click on the Chat you wish to block or report.
• Now tap the 3-dot icon present at the top.
• Select ‘More’ from the menu.
• Next, tap the Block Button.
• Select the checkmark and hit ‘Block’.

Note- Follow all the above steps and select the ‘Report’ option from the menu to report a number.

2. Turn on Silence Unknown Callers Setting

If you are receiving tons of calls from a +62 country code number, enable Silence unknown callers settings to prevent distractions. Here are the steps to be followed-

• Open WhatsApp.
• Tap the 3-dot icon present at the top.
• Select Settings
• Go to Privacy and scroll down to the Calls section.
• Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

3. Change Who Can Add You to Groups

Sometimes you are added to groups by these scammers. These groups might be filled with shady schemes and website links. To avoid being added to such groups, follow the steps below-

• Open WhatsApp
• Tap the 3-dot icon present at the top.
• Select Settings from the menu.
• From here, select Privacy.
• Click on the Groups option.
• On the next screen, select My Contacts.

Once the My Contacts option is selected, only those who you have added as a contact on your device will be able to include you in groups.

4. Do Not Pick Up the Call

If you have been getting WhatsApp calls and don’t recognize the mobile number with a +62 country code or haven’t been in contact with anyone from Indonesia, try to avoid such calls. Callers from Indonesia may try to pull you into a scam in case you interact with them.

5. Do Not Message or Call Back

Scammers may send messages that can contain suspicious lucrative schemes and links meant to rip off money or personal data from you. To remain safe, don’t reply or call back unfamiliar numbers, especially from the +62 code.

FAQs

1. What country codes should I avoid calls and messages from?

WhatsApp calls and messages from codes like +62 (Indonesia), +84 (Vietnam), +1 (United States), +212 (Morocco), +251 (Ethiopia), and +880 (Bangladesh) should be treated with caution.

2. Can I contact and report fraud to WhatsApp?

You can send an email to [email protected] if you have an Android device or to [email protected] in case you have an iPhone.

3. How can one tell if a call or a message is fraud?

By looking at the mobile number, you can judge if the message/call is fraudulent. India’s country code is +91 so numbers beginning with this code are safe. Next, check if the message has a suspicious or fishy URL.

4. Is it safe to click on links sent via WhatsApp, especially from unfamiliar numbers?

No, avoid clicking on links from unfamiliar mobile numbers.

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